03 won’t run due to plugged cat?

[Runner-Wannabe]

Considering looking at a non running O3 4R. Owner says wont run due to plugged cat.
I’m not sure if I buy that. Seems questionable?

Thoughts?

 

[rdruss]

A plug in for diagnostic codes might be in order.

 

[Runner-Wannabe]

A plug in for diagnostic codes might be in order.

Thanks. Meaning an obd reader? I’ve never used one.

Can I plug one in and get a reading if the engine won’t start

 

[Warwicke36]

Thanks. Meaning an obd reader? I’ve never used one.

Can I plug one in and get a reading if the engine won’t start

There should be some codes stored in the history. Its not going to say "a cat converter is plugged"... But it should give some insight into whats going on. If no codes you need to verify the basics.. Air, fuel, and spark.

 

[Buckaroo]

Considering looking at a non running O3 4R. Owner says wont run due to plugged cat.
I’m not sure if I buy that. Seems questionable?

Thoughts?

A plugged cat can keep an engine from running but generally I would think it would start and then bog down or die as back pressure builds. The best test is to measure back pressure. If it is plugged solid, you should not feel any air moving out of the tail pipe when trying to start the engine.

How To Diagnose Exhaust Restrictions -EricTheCarGuy - YouTube

Buckaroo

 

[MikeinNH67]

Has to be plugged just about solid to stop it from idling and you wouldn't feel much coming out of the pipe when turning the engine over. Something to consider is if it is plugged why did it happen? Usually they degrade from an engine not running properly like un-burnt fuel hitting the catalyst.

Some folks pull the upper o2 sensors to verify cat issues.

 

[Buckaroo]

Has to be plugged just about solid to stop it from idling and you wouldn't feel much coming out of the pipe when turning the engine over. Something to consider is if it is plugged why did it happen? Usually they degrade from an engine not running properly like un-burnt fuel hitting the catalyst.

Some folks pull the upper o2 sensors to verify cat issues.

Mike is right. Cats don't just die, they are murdered. Misfires with unburned hydrocarbons will degrade the Cat and ultimately melt the honecomb which can plug it solid but most of time just partially obstructs the exhaust. So there is no use replacing a Cat if you have not figured out the misfire. It will just happen again.

 

[Captsolo]

Considering looking at a non running O3 4R. Owner says wont run due to plugged cat.
I’m not sure if I buy that. Seems questionable?

Thoughts?

Scotty Kilmer has a recommendation for cleaning your cats scotty kilmer cat cleaner - Bing video